The ruling military junta has revoked Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein’s citizenship. She is a world-renowned artist and human rights advocate born in Myanmar. Known for her flamboyant stage costumes and masks, she has long used her platform to address political and social issues in the country. Her style and glamour have led to comparisons with international pop icon Lady Gaga. Even before the 2021 coup, this has made her a target of the regime.
In June, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein was one of 13 celebrities to have their citizenship revoked by the military government. This move is indicative of a larger trend. Since seizing power in February 2021, the junta has snatched away the citizenship of scores of opposition politicians, activists, and critics, rendering them stateless. This step further establishes the regime’s years-old pattern of targeting those that oppose it. This tactic has been employed ever since the pro-democracy protests of 1988.
Despite the threats to her safety and freedom, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein continues to raise awareness about the plight of the Myanmar people. After months on the run inside her country, she pulled off a stunning escape to Australia earlier this year. There, she produced fundraising concerts to support Internally Displaced Persons and build international awareness of Myanmar’s fight for freedom.
A Journey of Activism and Resistance
For Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein being an activist and an organizer started well before the coup. She has long condemned the repression in Myanmar, using her music as an instrument for protest. From her vigorous choreography to glamorous couture wardrobes, her daring stages have allured fans, both domestic and international.
Back in Australia, she packed out venues as she toured Sydney and Melbourne, and delivered a stirring confirmation to the New South Wales Parliament. She was known for her unique all-white ensemble including mask worn during her performances. This decision represented both her artistic sensitivity and her commitment to the movement.
“I couldn’t shake the bloody hands of the junta who have killed and tortured thousands of my fans and fellow citizens,” – Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein
She speaks for so many of us who have been silenced by the oppressive regime. By shining a spotlight on these abuses, she hopes to use her platform to galvanize others to join her crusade to seek justice.
The Impact of Citizenship Revocation
Revocation of citizenship carries severe, long-lasting, and profound effects for people impacted. Shayna Bauchner, an Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch, sheds light on one of the worst tactics. It cuts off scrutiny and stifles opposition.
“Revoking nationality because of free speech or politics violates international law and leaves targets at risk of statelessness, unable to work, study, or move freely,” – Shayna Bauchner
For Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, she is not alone in this fight, and thousands are in these same boats. As more people escape Myanmar, the junta ramps up its violence against the opposition’s activism outside of Myanmar’s borders. Their counterproductive passions to stomp on dissent are getting more bloodthirsty.
For those who have escaped, such as Daung (Thura Aung), life is now a dangerous tightrope. He noted that even travel documents are not as strong as the passport. Yet this sets him up to be the target during immigration raids.
“Whenever I travel, immigration officers question me,” – Daung (Thura Aung)
Many others in similar positions across the country feel the same way. They deal with the monstrous anxiety that comes from being a stateless person.
Continuing the Fight for Justice
Although they’ve lost a battle, the fight is far from over, and people like Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein are more dedicated than ever to their mission. She lives and still performs today, raising funds for the victims of the continuing civil war in Myanmar. Her work is more than inspirational. It is a call to arms that can energize and re-focus the movement.
The emotional toll on artists like Zin Wine is convincing. He expressed a deep sense of fear regarding his situation:
“The most likely outcome is that I will be killed,” – Zin Wine
This fear is felt by those who have decided to continue to be dangerous and remain in the fight against oppression. They know full well that their visibility can be life-threatening, but they know that their voices need to be heard.
“If we are taken or hurt, it causes collective depression — the junta thinks that could bring down the unity of the revolution as a whole,” – Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein
